Jessica Jose Navarrete

When Jessica Jose Navarrete (Questrom ’26) arrived at Boston University, she wasn’t just looking for a major; she was looking for a community. As a first-generation Mexican-American student studying Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Public Health, Jessica hoped college would be a place where she could grow, give back, and find belonging.

She found that home in the Ascend Fellowship.

Jessica first discovered Ascend through an email from the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion the summer before her freshman year. Having graduated from a predominantly white high school, she was eager to join a space that celebrated diversity and encouraged connection. When she learned about Ascend’s mission to empower Questrom business students, including those who identify as underrepresented, she immediately felt it was where she was meant to be.

What began as curiosity soon became a defining part of her BU experience. Through mentorship, workshops, and shared experiences, Jessica found professional guidance, meaningful friendships, and a sense of confidence that shaped both her academic and personal growth. Ascend, she says, did more than help her develop as a student. It helped her discover who she wanted to be as a leader and mentor.

Now as Co-Coordinator for the Ascend Program, Jessica helps lead the very community that once helped her find her footing. Her journey is deeply shaped by her background and the pride she carries in her identity. Growing up without connections to the business world could have been a limitation, but Jessica turned it into motivation. She approaches leadership with a simple but powerful belief: “Even if a space wasn’t originally built for you, you can still belong in it, and bring others with you.”

That belief is reflected in everything she does. From mentoring new Ascenders to organizing events and facilitating discussions about equity and inclusion, Jessica leads with empathy and intention. For her, inclusive leadership is not just an idea. It is a commitment to making sure everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Some of Jessica’s most rewarding moments come from seeing the impact of that work firsthand. As a coordinator, she has helped create programs that connect students across class years and backgrounds, building the same kind of supportive network that once guided her through her first year. Watching Ascenders bond, share experiences, and uplift one another continues to remind her why the program matters. “Every smile, every connection, every ‘thank you’ moment makes all the effort worth it,” she reflects.

Through Ascend, Jessica found more than mentorship and opportunity. She found a family. “The upperclassmen went out of their way to help me and cheer me on,” she says. “That sense of belonging turned Questrom from just a business school into a home because it is where Ascend lives.”

As she looks ahead to her future in business and beyond, Jessica carries with her Ascend’s core motto: “Lift As You Climb.” She hopes to continue creating spaces where others can thrive, whether through mentorship, advocating for inclusion, or fostering diverse teams in the workplace. “Ascend gave me confidence, community, and purpose,” she says. “And I will always look for ways to pay that forward.”

Her advice to future Ascenders reflects the same spirit that has guided her journey: “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Ascend will challenge you, support you, and surround you with people who genuinely want to see you grow.”

“EVEN IF A SPACE WASN’T ORIGINALLY BUILT FOR YOU, YOU CAN STILL BELONG IN IT, AND BRING OTHERS WITH YOU”

– Jessica Jose Navarrete